City of Newport Announcement on the US Department of Homeland Security Evaluating Locations Along the Oregon Coast
City of Newport officials were made aware of information that the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is in the process of evaluating locations along the Oregon coast for a potential U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) immigration facility, and the Newport Municipal Airport has been identified as a possible location for this facility.
City leadership is actively working with local, state, and federal legislators to verify and assess this information, its potential effects on public safety and city resources, and municipal and legal options that may be available. Efforts to contact DHS representatives by phone and email have not received a response at the time of this release.
The City’s standard communications practices require the confirmation of details prior to releasing information to the public. However, due to credibility of the information received by City officials and the sensitivity of the issue, Newport leadership has chosen to share this information with the community in the interest of public safety and transparency.
On Wednesday, Nov. 12, Newport City Council will hold an open public meeting at Newport City Hall starting at 6 pm.
The City of Newport will provide updates as further information becomes available.
Media Contacts:
City of Newport
John Fuller
(541) 574-0649
Representative David Gomberg
(971) 678-3609
Lincoln County Commissioner Walter Chuck
(541) 265-4100
Statement from Newport Mayor Jan Kaplan:
“I am deeply concerned by recent reports suggesting that Newport may be under consideration for an ICE detention facility. The well-being, safety, and values of our community are the highest priorities of myself and our City Council.
We are committed to uphold fairness and dignity for all who call Newport home. Any proposal that has the potential to impact those principles deserves transparency, public input, and a thorough review of potential social and economic consequences.
City staff is actively working with local, state, and federal partners to receive clarification on the information provided to us and any legal options that may be available to us.”
Statement from Newport City Manager Nina Vetter:
“City leadership has been coordinating closely with our local, state and federal representatives to gather more information and understand our rights as a city since we were made aware of this information. We are appreciative of the urgency and assistance from our representatives, and we will work alongside the Newport community
I understand that this news will have personal and professional implications for many in our community. I urge our community to stay informed through official City of Newport communications, including our social media channels, as we navigate this complex issue with our legislative leaders.”